Nari Gunjan, founded in 1987, empowers the marginalized Musahar community, especially rural, landless women facing deep-rooted social and economic exclusion. We support their journey toward dignity, equality, and self-reliance. Join us in creating a just and inclusive society.
The Mushar community in Bihar, among the most marginalized Scheduled Castes, faces acute poverty, illiteracy, and systemic discrimination. With over 40 lakh members, they largely rely on daily wage labor, have minimal access to education or healthcare, and are trapped in cycles of deprivation.
Challenges Faced :
- Economic Hardship: Predominantly landless, surviving on rag-picking and manual labor.
- Social Exclusion: Widespread caste-based discrimination and untouchability.
- Lack of Amenities: Poor access to food, shelter, and health services.
- Low Literacy: Male literacy at 4%; female under 2%. Only 0.18% complete graduation.
Intervention :
- Education for Girls: Govt Job Readiness Program
- Prepares Mahadalit girls for government exams with residential coaching, career counseling, physical training, and mentorship.
- 18 girls enrolled, with mock test scores improving by 30%.
- 8 girls met police fitness criteria; 5 are nearing government exam qualification.
- Program paused for semester exams (Jan–Feb 2025), to resume afterward.
- Read More about Digital Class Initiative
- Income Generation: Mushroom Cultivation
- Supports 150 families with training and kits in collaboration with the Bihar Agriculture Department.
- Boosts income and nutrition de=spite limited space.
- Future plans: expand to more villages and introduce dried mushroom products.
- Read More about Income Generation
- Hotel Management Training for Boys
- 8 boys trained at The Bodhgaya Hotel School with hands-on internships (e.g., at Hyatt Place).
- 6 actively training, gaining skills in hospitality, communication, and customer service.
- 100% completed first phase; industry feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
- Internship placements begin post-March 2025.
- Read More about Hotel Management Project
The Way Forward:
- Education: Launch digital learning centers and scholarship programs.
- Livelihood: Expand mushroom cultivation, and handicrafts.
- Women’s Empowerment: Form SHGs and conduct leadership training.
- Health & Nutrition: Organize mobile health camps and promote kitchen gardens.
Nari Gunjan’s holistic approach—education, skills, and empowerment—is reshaping lives in the Mushar community.